A leader with a lifelong passion for education and learning, Dr. McDonald possesses leadership qualities and a strong ability to connect with people. He holds extensive knowledge and experience in almost every facet of education, from independent schools to the public school sector. 

Dr. McDonald holds an undergraduate degree from Washington & Lee University, a master’s degree from Northeastern University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College.

He began his career at Bayside Academy, an independent school in Alabama with more than 700 students. There he taught history and served as Middle School Head before being named Assistant Head of School. Dr. McDonald then served for 19 years as Superintendent of Schools in the Ticonderoga Central School District. 

McDonald and his wife Andrea, along with their two daughters, live in Berlin. Their youngest daughter, Anna, attends Syracuse University.  Their oldest daughter, Meg, is a University of Delaware graduate and works for a marketing firm in Boston, MA.